With summer planning in overdrive, gas prices have taken a small decrease giving residents in the Jackson area a sense of relief from record-high gas prices.
“The small hiccup in gas prices is a great thing for larger families traveling this summer,” said Myles Wilkins, 32, of Ridgeland. “Every year we travel to Miami for our family trip to visit relatives,” Wilkins said. “For a round trip it will cost approximately $3,000 to $4,000 for our family, and we need every penny that we can save on gas.”
The current average for gas in Jackson is $4.382 per gallon for regular, $4.738 for mid-grade, $5.053 for premium, and $5.309 for diesel, as of Friday, according to AAA.
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A week ago the averages in Jackson were $4.460 for regular, $4.820 for mid-grade, $5.113 for premium, and $5.344 for diesel.
The national average for gas is $4.842 per gallon for regular, $5.264 for mid-grade, $5.559 for premium, and $5.760 for diesel, as of Friday, according to AAA.
The national average a week ago was $4.926 per gallon for regular, $5.339 for mid-grade, $5.632, and $5.805 for diesel, according to AAA.
Darryl Marcus, 29, of Ridgeland said he enjoys traveling back home to New Orleans to spend time with his family, but the high demand on gas prices wouldn’t let him do so last month.
“I go home at least twice a year,” Marcus said. “I’ve been trying to save the money to go see my family but gas prices are ridiculous. Since Monday, prices have dropped and now I can make a more feasible decision to go home.
“From the food, music, second line, and the creole atmosphere, I always enjoy being home. Being from the heart of New Orleans is special and I get to feel the beat of the city through residents, especially on Sunday.”
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According to AAA experts, various ways to save money on gas this summer include comparing local gas prices, joining a fuel reward program, and carpooling.
Mammie Joy, 45, of Jackson said she spends roughly $100 to 125 a week driving her 2016 Yukon, which drinks gas by the minute.
“I love to travel, but it can be costly,” Joy said. “I’ve noticed the gas prices have dropped a few cents within the last couple of days, which gives me hope my summer trip to Houston will still happen.”
Contrary to the widespread belief that politicians are solely to blame for high gas prices, gas prices are largely dictated by oil prices and oil prices depend on supply and demand.
Melanie Scott, 72, of Brandon said since retiring last year she travels at least three times a year, but gas prices have put a small dent in her fun.
“One of my favorite places to travel in Orange beach in Alabama,” Scott said. “The food and drive are reasonable for someone my age. Gas prices, in general, are everchanging, and I and excited to see the change for the upcoming holiday weekend.”
Arthur Broom, 21, of Brandon said he is planning a trip to Las Vegas for the holiday weekend and gas is the deciding factor.
“For months I’ve been planning this trip in the summer to Vegas, and I need to save as much as I can on gas,” Broom said. “This is my first major vacation by myself and the last thing I want to be worried about is doing I have enough gas.”
